Armchair Thriller (1978–1981)
8/10
A classic mystery series, some great, some are shocking.
21 May 2023
A series of mysteries with one thing in common, intrigue, suspense and all manner of sinister goings ons.

Expect kidnaps, robberies, dognapping, murder and much, much more, the show has a lot of variety.

If like I do, you enjoy the classic mysteries, Thriller, Hammer House of Horror, Tales of The Unexpected, Rivals of Sherlock Holmes etc, then I think this will be one you'll enjoy.

Don't expect consistency throughout, it does vary quite a lot in terms of quality. Quiet as a Nun and The Limbo Connection are two that I watch on quite a regular basis, both are terrific, intriguing mysteries, both have a subtle horror vibe, at the other end of the scale, The Girl who walked quickly and The Circe Connection, I found both quite painful, very slow, very dull, such a contrast.

Antonia Fraser's Jemima Shore character got her own series some years later on, but Patricia Hodge played the title character instead of Maria Aitken.

The main controversy I've always thought, The Chelsea Murders, often maligned, it sits almost the very bottom in the IMDB ratings, and yet I'm a fan of it, it was a production nightmare apparently, it wasn't finished, and underwent a huge edit to go out as a single, feature length production, it's one of my personal favourites, it's chilling, it's well paced, I think it's too easily overlooked.

I really did like the Night time Thames introduction, it's certainly a bit different, and gives you a vibe of something Dark and late night ahead of you, then come those wonderfully sinister opening sequences, and that tremendous music.

Expect a whole host of well known faces, you'll see James Bolam, John Shrapnel, Zena Walker and Maria Aitken, as well as many more.

8/10.
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